Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was questioned about whether his company intentionally designed Instagram to be addictive, amid claims that it harmed a young woman’s mental health. The 20-year-old plaintiff, Kaley, accuses Meta and YouTube of designing features to hook her as a child. Zuckerberg said he navigated the safety of young users “in a reasonable way,” but parents who traveled from across the country for the trial described a company that preys on and exploits children in its pursuit of profits. The outcome of this trial could be a bellwether for hundreds of other cases, with potentially billions in damages at stake if Meta loses.
Zuckerberg’s testimony was met with skepticism by many, including parents who say their children were harmed by social media. One parent, Julianna Arnold, said her 17-year-old daughter died after using Instagram excessively, and claimed the company intentionally exploited teenagers for profits. The trial may determine whether Meta prioritized profits over safety.
The case has raised questions about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and the role of companies like Meta in regulating their platforms. As Zuckerberg takes the stand, the jury will consider whether Instagram was a substantial factor in Kaley’s struggles with anxiety and suicidal thoughts, or if her family life was to blame.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/18/tech/meta-mark-zuckerberg-testifies-social-media-addiction-trial